Health Benefits of Straighter Teeth
Everyone knows having straighter teeth can drastically improve the way your smile looks. But aesthetic benefits are just one reason to consider braces or aligners. There are plenty of other benefits as well.
Brendan Smith, DDS, MS, and the team at Freedom Orthodontics in Cedar Park, Texas, help their patients get the biggest benefits from their orthodontic treatment, providing custom care solutions focused on each patient’s unique needs and goals. Here are seven surprising health-related benefits of straighter teeth that you might not have considered.
1. You’ll have healthier gums
When your teeth are straight and properly aligned, it’s a lot easier to brush and floss. That means you can remove more plaque along your gums and between your teeth, significantly reducing your risk of gum disease, the leading cause of tooth loss among adults.
2. You’ll have fewer cavities
Keeping your teeth cleaner also reduces your risk of cavities and deep infections in your teeth. When teeth are evenly spaced, your toothbrush just works better. That means it’s more effective in getting rid of food particles and sticky film that can hide decay-causing bacteria.
3. Your teeth will “work” better
Teeth are designed to work in pairs — uppers and lowers — to help you chew, bite, and even speak. When your teeth aren’t properly aligned, you increase your risk of oral health problems, along with problems involving eating, nutrition, and even speech.
4. You’ll reduce your risk of jaw problems
Speaking of teeth working in pairs, proper alignment can also reduce your risk of jaw problems, including temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), a chronic condition that causes jaw pain, headaches, and problems with chewing. By aligning your teeth, orthodontics reduces excess strain on your jaw joints, preventing TMD and other jaw-related issues.
5. You’ll feel more self-confident
This might not sound like a health benefit, but feeling more confident has a direct effect on your emotional health — and that can have benefits for your physical health as well. When you feel confident, you’re more likely to socialize and form bonds with other people. Plus, research shows higher levels of self-confidence might help you live longer. Studies also show people who are more self-confident are also just plain happier — that’s one benefit you don’t want to miss out on.
6. You’ll spend less time (and money) at the dentist
Reducing your risks of cavities and gum problems means you won’t need to visit the dentist as often for fillings, crowns, implants, or other restorations. That’s less time spent in the dentist chair and less money spent on preserving your teeth and gums — an especially important consideration as you get older.
7. You’ll enjoy healthier teeth as you age
That brings us to the last point on this list. Tooth loss becomes a lot more common with age, due to years of wear and tear, cavities, and gum disease. Because orthodontic treatment makes it easier to clean your teeth and avoid these oral health issues, you can reduce your risk of tooth loss and enjoy a lifetime of beautiful, healthy, natural smiles.
One of the best things about orthodontic treatment is that it’s never too late to start enjoying the benefits of straighter teeth. Dr. Smith offers treatments for kids and teens as well as adults, which means if you’ve been thinking about having your teeth straightened, now is the perfect time to make an appointment.
To get started, call our office or request an appointment online today.